Texas Hall of Famers

The Lone Star State has native stars in the Hall of Fame.

By By Andrea Waguespack

Photo: Paul Ryan/Getty Images

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Willie Nelson

This Abbott, Texas native was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993, but that's not the only hall he's graced in his long list of accomplishments. In 2011, Nelson was inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame thanks his part in helping raise funds for Farm Aid, among other groups that benefit farmers.

Keep clicking to see what other musicians from the Lone Star State earned a spot in the Hall of Fame. less

Willie Nelson

This Abbott, Texas native was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993, but that's not the only hall he's graced in his long list of accomplishments. In 2011, Nelson was inducted into ... more

This Houston native was inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame June 12, 2014 -- making him the latest Texan to rep the Lone Star State. Although he had a few successful regional singles here in the 1960s, he made his mark as a songwriter, starting with 'Hooked on a Feeling,' which was covered by BJ Thomas. Check out what other hit songs James wrote, including a few popular songs made famous by Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson, on HoustonChronicle.com. less

Mark James

This Houston native was inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame June 12, 2014 -- making him the latest Texan to rep the Lone Star State. Although he had a few successful regional singles here in ... more

Photo: Roman Cho

Mark James This Houston native was inducted into the... Photo-6430505.76284 - Houston Chronicle

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ZZ Top

Our hometown heroes! These Bayou City natives makes us proud to call H-Town home. This group was inducted into the Hall of Fame for their boogie and blues. (Though, we think the beards had something to do with it.) less

ZZ Top

Our hometown heroes! These Bayou City natives makes us proud to call H-Town home. This group was inducted into the Hall of Fame for their boogie and blues. (Though, we think the beards had something to do ... more

1950s rock and roll legend Holly was born in Lubbock, Texas. He would only play a few short years before he was killed in a plane crash at the age of 22, alongside Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and their pilot in 1959.

1950s rock and roll legend Holly was born in Lubbock, Texas. He would only play a few short years before he was killed in a plane crash at the age of 22, alongside Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big ... more

When you think of the blues, think of Lead Belly. Lead Belly grew up in Bowie County, Texas. He saw a life full of trials and tribulations, including stints in prison and extreme poverty. After a career in music, he worked as a chauffeur and occasional performer before he died (poor, no less) from Lou Gehrig's disease in 1949.

When you think of the blues, think of Lead Belly. Lead Belly grew up in Bowie County, Texas. He saw a life full of trials and tribulations, including stints in prison and extreme poverty. After a ... more

Lead Belly When you think of the blues, think of Lead Belly.... Photo-5610894.76284 - Houston Chronicle

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Woody Guthrie

Listen up, hipsters: Woody Guthrie is known as the original folk hero. Gurthrie has been credited for using folk songs for social commentary and protests in the 30s and 40s.

Jimmie
Rodgers was the first figure inducted into the Country Music Hall of
Fame and is fondly referred to as the “Father of Country Music.” - See
more at:
http://rockhall.com/inductees/jimmie-rodgers/bio/#sthash.WykjhqYI.dpuf

Jimmie Rodgers

Rodgers is a little bit country, and a little bit rock and roll. (We apologize for the Donny and Marie Osmond reference.) Rodgers was the first musician inducted into the Country Hall of Fame. He's referred to as the "Father of Country Music." But wait, there's more. Rodgers is also one of the first musicians inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Rodgers spent his last years in San Antonio and Kerrville before dying of complications related to tuberculosis in New York in 1933. He was only 35 years old. less

Jimmie Rodgers was the first figure inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and is fondly referred to as the “Father of Country Music.” - See more at:

The Soul Stirrers The Soul Stirrers took gospel out of the... Photo-5610893.76284 - Houston Chronicle

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Freddy King

Blues giant Freddy King was born in Gilmer, Texas (just like fellow Hall-of-Famer Don Henley) and died in Dallas in 1976. King was one of a few top blues musicians who shared the same surname (B.B. and Albert). Though unrelated to the others, this Texan definitely shares notoriety with them. less

Freddy King

Blues giant Freddy King was born in Gilmer, Texas (just like fellow Hall-of-Famer Don Henley) and died in Dallas in 1976. King was one of a few top blues musicians who shared the same surname (B.B. ... more

Freddy King Blues giant Freddy King was born in Gilmer, Texas... Photo-5610895.76284 - Houston Chronicle

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Charlie Christian

Some genres of music wouldn't be the same without this Texan. Born in Bonham, Texas in 1916, Christian was a swing and jazz guitarist. Christian was an early performer on the electric guitar, and also helped develop bebop and cool jazz. less

Charlie Christian Some genres of music wouldn't be the same... Photo-5610896.76284 - Houston Chronicle

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King Curtis

Curtis worked with the greats. Born in Fort Worth, Curtis served as Aretha Franklin's musical director and had worked on John
Lennon's 'Imagine' album before being stabbed to death by a drug addict
in New York City in 1971.

Here he is in Houston, opening for the Beatles at the Sam Houston Coliseum on Aug. 19, 1965. less

King Curtis

Curtis worked with the greats. Born in Fort Worth, Curtis served as Aretha Franklin's musical director and had worked on John Lennon's 'Imagine' album before being stabbed to death by a drug addict ... more

Photo: Chronicle File

King Curtis Curtis worked with the greats . Born in Fort... Photo-4361438.76284 - Houston Chronicle